My Blog

The World’s most Advanced 3D Printer

by Besco Custom Jewelers on April 23, 2017 No comments

Pico2 HD 3d Printer

I’m adding a new machine to the shop next week.  On Monday, I will receive my new Pico2 3D printer. It’s going to help me advance the quality of my work and offer even greater design capabilities to my customers. You will be able to come in and take a look at the completed design one step before it is cast into metal.

I would like to say thanks again to all my loyal customers that have called on me time and time again over the last thirty-three years! I hope to keep advancing the quality and scope of my work until I am unable to sit up and look through my microscope.

Sincerely

Brett

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Besco Custom JewelersThe World’s most Advanced 3D Printer

Lab Created Diamonds Have Arrived

by Besco Custom Jewelers on February 6, 2017 No comments

Until recently I would not have suggested it, but in the last couple months I’ve had several customers purchase “Lab-Created” diamonds.  These stones have reached a point in their evolution that an experienced jeweler cannot tell them apart from natural stones, that is without the use of specialized equipment.  The stones that I have had the opportunity to examine were to my surprise, actually quite beautiful. These stones are created by man combining the correct elements and conditions for diamond crystals to form in a controlled environment. They are chemically and atomically the same as natural diamonds.  I’m not saying one is better than the other, but I would be negligent if I didn’t mention the choice.

  • They are absolutely Conflict Free
  • They are a “Green” choice when compared to mined stones.
  • They cost on average 20%-30% less than mined diamonds
  • They cannot be differentiated by their physical properties without proper equipment.

Take a look at Lab-Created diamonds

 

 

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Besco Custom JewelersLab Created Diamonds Have Arrived

Buyer Beware ~ GIA Hacked

by Besco Custom Jewelers on October 28, 2015 No comments

Thinking about buying a diamond online?
Many online diamond sources have become a dumping ground for diamonds that might not be what you think they are. It’s hard to get your money back when you find out something like this a couple years down the road.

 

GIA Hacked

Buyer Beware!

 

 

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Besco Custom JewelersBuyer Beware ~ GIA Hacked

Milking the Brand

by Besco Custom Jewelers on October 10, 2015 No comments

Over the years I have noticed the highly promoted and publicized jewelry brands sold in stores across the country look absolutely perfect in the advertisements. However, when I see the actual items, they don’t come close to what was advertised. Hamburger commercials come to mind first. I’ve been talking to customers about this for years. They are paying for what was in the picture, but getting an item of far less quality.

Recently I was invited to “The American Jewelers Round Table” in New York and the term “Milking the Brand” came up in our discussions. To be honest I had never heard the term before this meeting, but it explained what I have been seeing and telling my customers.

There are two very distinct levels of quality sold to the public. The very well made items that the advertising depicts. These items are not mass produced, sold to the wealthy, well informed consumer that is willing to pay for the quality. The rest of the items are mass produced to look like the high end pieces in the ads, but just enough is done to them to get the brand name on them.
For example: If you are in Italy and go to a famous shoe maker and purchase a pair of Italian loafers made on site, you’re probably going to get quality. If you see the same loafers here in for sale, from the same company at same price you paid in Italy, chances are you’re not getting the same level of craftsmanship, or quality of materials.

Nowhere could this be truer than in the jewelry industry. We have a lot of great craftsmen in America that make some very nice jewelry from using high quality materials. In most cases you can purchase a unique, high quality item for the same cost as the over hyped, mass produced items. End of story, I hope you take the time to do a little searching, find a craftsman you trust and give them the opportunity to make you something that has value and character.

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Besco Custom JewelersMilking the Brand

Thirty-one years of practice.

by Besco Custom Jewelers on April 16, 2015 No comments

April 15th, 2015 marks thirty-one years of business here in College Station. It’s funny now when I look back at how I was taught and how much things have changed.

Thank you!

My first instruction manual, second edition printed 1967.

My first instruction manual, second edition printed 1967.

Clasp Detail

Detail of CAD designed bracelet clasp.

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Besco Custom JewelersThirty-one years of practice.

My Newest and Youngest Customer

by Besco Custom Jewelers on August 28, 2014 No comments

Congratulations Heather and Austin! Let me introduce my youngest customer, Cooper. Born on August 11th, she’s a beauty and she’s sporting and pink gold and diamond pendant that matches her mom’s ring to celebrate her birth. Thanks for the photos.IMG_2878

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Besco Custom JewelersMy Newest and Youngest Customer